Archive for October, 2012

Cuts to MAIN CHARACTER (CAP). He is a child and is out with his father on the farm. He is about 8 years old and is running along to catch up to his dad. As he approaches the sky in the distance darkens and the wind begins to blow. MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) looks up and sees pieces of asteroids coming through the sky with chunks of machinery (like space junk). The pieces approach, begin pummeling the ground in the distance. Father shouts “RUN!” Sounded slightly faded as MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) begins running toward the house. The rocks and metal keep coming closer and closer until the smoke and flamers appear to engulf the farm behind the child. A final rock crashes in front of MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) and explodes and screen becomes black.

END SCENE.

Cuts to MAIN CHARACTER (CAP)’s bedroom. He wakes up sweaty in his room. The asteroids were a dream. He looks around. He is back home, but he is startled. It appears he is still adjusting to being at home. (Home is in VA).

MOTHER (V.O.)

Son! Your breakfast is up.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

(calls out to mom from room) What time is it?

MOTHER (V.O.)

It’s 10:30. I thought you might want to sleep in, so I waited a couple extra hours to make your food.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

(Looks for phone) Where is my phone, ma?

MOTHER (V.O.)

Don’t you remember? You left it charging down here when we got in last night?

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Oh yeah. Sorry, guess I’m just exhausted… Thanks mom! Be right there!

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

(Mutters to self.) I forgot that part about living at home – my schedule is no longer mine.

Comes downstairs.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Smells great! What is it?

MOTHER (V.O.)

Only the best! We got a round-table of steak, eggs, cornbread, beans, carrots, peas, sweet-potato, macaroni…

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Sounds more like dinner than breakfast. Delicious!

MOTHER (V.O.)

Well, I figured you would want a hearty meal full of protein instead of my usual pancakes and waffles since you’ve had so much energy spent.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

You really do know me mom, don’t you?

MOTHER (V.O.)

At least your stomach.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

You have no idea how much I have been missing your home cooking.

MOTHER (V.O.)

Oh, I know. Your father would rather have my slow-cooked sirloin than the finest steak-house restaurant in this town.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Please tell me that was not a double-entendre.

MOTHER (V.O.)

(laughs) I do that too often.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Gross, mom.

Dad walks in from outside using crutch.

MOTHER (O.C.)

Hey papa! You really shouldn’t be walking on that leg.

FATHER (O.C.)

Well, someone has to take care of the business around here, and I don’t see those crops watering themselves.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

I’ll take care of it dad. I need to get my sleep schedule adjusted.

FATHER (O.C.)

You’re fine son. You’ve worked hard. You deserve some extra rest before getting to all the hard, painful chores I got for yah.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Please tell me you are just being cute.

FATHER (O.C.)

If you call mending fences, fixing the tractor, and sealing the leaks in the watering system cute, then I’m downright adorable.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

I’m starting to miss my calculus classes.

MOTHER (O.C.)

Oh stop it you two. The work isn’t terribly bad. And I know you are talented at efficiency son.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

I’m just joking. Of course I want to help. I just want to be able to use some of what I learned to make this farm better.

FATHER (O.C.)

Absolutely son. I am giving you the reins. This is your chance to be creative. Your help may be the last chance we got.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

I don’t know that I want that much responsibility on my shoulders.

FATHER (O.C.)

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not throwing this on you. I’m just saying that you are going to be doing something great. You really are going to help your mother and I make it through until I can take care of business.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

I just don’t want you to lose anything because of me.

FATHER (O.C.)

We won’t. I believe in you. Clearly, your school and teachers do too. You got this and I will help you along the way.

MOTHER (O.C.)

Now how about we start eating before this food gets cold.

FATHER (O.C.)

Don’t have to tell me twice. But first, let’s pray.

Dear Father, we thank you for the abundance of this table, and for the hands that made it. We are grateful for every day that we are blessed with on this earth, and are thankful to spend time with MAIN CHARACTER (CAP). Please give us the patience and strength to make it through this time together as a family, and let MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) use all that he has learned to bless this farm and others.

MOTHER (O.C.)

And heal papa quickly!

FATHER (O.C.)

Amen!

BEGIN EATING.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

So what have yall been up to while I was away this past year?

MOTHER (O.C.)

Nothing too crazy. We’ve been keeping steady at the local church. I’ve been helping to teach Sunday school. Your father was working on a new addition to the church that will be the homeless halfway house.

FATHER (O.C.)

Yeah, until this whole hip thing. Now I’ve just been cooped up at home, reading books I’ve been planning to get to but hadn’t had the time for.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Like what?

FATHER (O.C.)

A lot of history, especially history which you won’t find in public education. History on the Federal Reserve, the CIA, black ops.

MOTHER (O.C.)

The type of stuff people call you a “conspiracy theorist” for even thinking about.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

(Laughs) You mean what people call you for reading beyond the textbook?

FATHER (O.C.)

Yup. The good stuff. You won’t believe some of the stuff I have been reading about government secrets, and how they cover it up using this thing called the “states secrets doctrine.”

MOTHER (O.C.)

Careful hun, you might get put under for a long time if you say that around the doctor. (Laughs)

You did always teach me to respect authority, but do your own critical thinking and research.

MOTHER (O.C.)

That’s right. It’s good to think for yourself, but don’t be rude now.

FATHER (O.C.)

You’ll have to read this one book I got when I’m done…it’s called (sudden knock on door).

MOTHER (O.C.)

Who is it? (Heads toward door).

FATHER (O.C.)

Better not be one of those morons trying to buy out our land again.

MOTHER (O.C.)

I think it is.

FATHER (O.C.)

Do I need to get my shotgun?

MOTHER (O.C.)

Cool it papa.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

What’s going on with that dad?

FATHER (O.C.)

We’ve been having a lot more people come by trying to offer us cash for the land. Something about this land seems to attract a number of developers. I’m not exactly sure why…it may be due to the city over getting a lot of growth.

MOTHER (O.C.)

(Answers door). May I help you?

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

Hello. My name is GOVERNMENT WORKER. I am with the CITY and wanted to talk for just a brief moment about some projects going on. Do you have a moment?

MOTHER (O.C.)

Alright, I have a minute.

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

May I come in?

FATHER (O.C.)

I think we can talk out here.

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

Alright. Well, the short of it is that the city is looking to expand and needs a decent site for its water treatment center and energy center. I figured I would come by and see if y’all were in the market or were considering a sale in the near future.

FATHER (O.C.)

We’ve lived here quite a long time and I think we’re going to keep on doing that for a long time.

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

I understand. It’s a beautiful place out here. There’s a lot of fresh air and history. I know your father owned this place and his father homesteaded it.

FATHER (O.C.)

I see you keep records.

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

Of course. Well, I was hoping that maybe we could reach an agreement. The city would make it worth your while. Provide you with relocation, a house, and a living stipend that could be comparable to a reverse mortgage. You wouldn’t have a want for anything.

FATHER (O.C.)

Except for these 700 acres and my liberty.

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

You would be closer to the city, but think about the benefits. Less to take care of. Plenty of money to give your wife a pleasant retirement.

MOTHER (O.C.)

I’m content, but thank you.

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

Well. I understand. This is not an easy decision and I don’t expect an immediate answer. How about this? I leave you my card (hands mother card). You take a few weeks to think this over and we can get back in touch? Fair?

FATHER (O.C.)

I think you missed my cues.

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

Mr. FATHER. I only mean the best. This land could provide resources to allow for 100,000s of people to move here. It’s good business and its good for the economy.

FATHER (O.C.)

I prefer my liberty to the economy.

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

Sometimes the rights of a few are sacrificed for the benefit of the many.

FATHER (O.C.)

That’s not the American way.

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

Maybe not…depending on what period of time you read your constitution.

In any case, I don’t want to have this come to any bitter ends. Compensated takings are constitutional, and I hope that we can work something out without resorting to the courts, especially when budgets are tight.

FATHER (O.C.)

I think your time here is up, and I don’t take kindly to trespassers.

GOVERNMENT WORKER (O.C.)

Good day Mr. FATHER. Please consider this carefully. We’ll be waiting to hear from you.

Government satellite control room. A large screen displays several images of space and radar information. Government workers in white and black dress clothes move throughout the room with papers and electronics. A military commander in a black uniform stands in the background with several attendants, also military personnel. The scene is hurried and rushed as it appears the information being taken down is a matter of new import. (They just found out about this).

Good. Bring up the K.A.R.P. view live. We need all deep-space feeds running. The boys at the CIA have the ground stations taken care of.

COMPUTER SYSTEM (V.O.)

Fission eruption in one minute. 59…58…

GENERAL (O.C.)

(Turns to other general, says in a low voice) We’re not going to need any special eyewear to watch this, are we?

SCIENTIST (O.S.)

Sir, you’re going to want to see this.

Camera focuses in on screen then goes to full shot. Massive fields of energy in space begin to merge. A black hole appears in the midst. The fields begin to grow brighter.

SCIENTIST (O.S.)

(Turns to fellow scientist) I don’t know that the satellite is going to last…the cosmic rays are affecting the instruments.

Screens begin to flicker and brighten. Screeching noise builds louder. Camera zooms in on GENERAL as the light emanates onto his face and flickers. Lights in the building flicker. Noise grows loud then bleeps with white flashing as screen cuts to next scene.

GRADUATION SCENE

Flash of light emanates from a top-mounted DSLR camera. A photographer has just taken a picture. The camera cuts to a husband and wife next to their son MAIN CHARACTER (CAP). The mother is standing and the father is in a wheel-chair. The group is laughing and smiling in front of the graduation ceremony building of UNIVERSITY.

MOTHER (O.S.)

(Hugs son) I am so proud of youuuuu! I cannot believe it! Five years of school went by so quickly!

FATHER (O.S.)

And for a mechanical engineering major with a double-minor in chemistry and art history – you sure you finished all your coursework? (Laughs)

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

(Laughs, turns to hug dad in wheel-chair). Come on dad! You know there’s a reason I’ve barely been home.

MOTHER (O.S.)

I am just so glad to finally have you back home, even if it’s just for a little bit.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Well, you know, I said I would help around the house until Dad could get his surgery. I love you guys – I want to spend some more time with you before I have to begin a career.

FATHER (O.S.)

Son, you’ve made me so proud, and I must admit, I am embarrassed to even ask for any help. But I’m hoping that we can get the surgery scheduled soon. The doctors have already given me a couple of pre-screenings.

Begin walking down the university past other graduates. Heading toward car.

MOTHER (O.S.)

And the surgeon said he should be able to recover most of his hip stability.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

We can always hope a full recovery, right?

FATHER (O.S.)

I just need enough healing to keep the farm going. We’ve had a couple of rough seasons and some equipment needs fixin’. I’m hoping to put that degree of yours to good use. (chuckles).

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Of course. I guess I can call it an internship, right? How about we type up some fancy letter-head and you can write me a recommendation? (Laughs)

FATHER (O.S.)

You’ll get more than a recommendation son. I’ll be more than happy to get you some financial support so you can break into the real world.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

I appreciate it dad, but you and mom have enough to worry about. I already have a potential job lined up. The engineering group I interned with last summer asked me yesterday if I was going to be available.

MOTHER (O.S.)

What did you say?

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

I told them I was going to help at home for a little bit, but that I was interested in 6-8 months.

FATHER (O.S.)

If I knew that was going on I wouldn’t have asked you to come home. Son, it’s alright to go if you have an offer…

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

No no no…It’s perfectly fine. My summer manager really respects me for helping at home and said to call him when I finished. I think I’m pretty much set, at least for a start.

MOTHER (O.S.)

Well let’s hope so. The economy has been terrible and we organic farmers are losing to these corporate goons peddling their GMO filth. You cannot believe what these people are doing to stay in business.

FATHER (O.S.)

They’ll stop at nothing son. They’ll patent plants which grow from the ground and pretend like they invented it – then sue everyone when it falls off of their shipping trucks.

MOTHER (O.S.)

And those damn city officials being bought off…

FATHER (O.S.)

“Linda!”

MOTHER (O.S.)

Well it’s serious enough to use serious language. When these companies buy the city, we’re the ones who lose to eminent domain.

FATHER (O.S.)

What can I say. Your mother is right, unfortunately. If it’s not the weather we are having to fight it’s politicians, and corporations buying politicians.

Arriving at car. Classmate friend comes by.

FRIEND (V.O.)

Hey MAIN CHARACTER (CAP)!

FRIEND (O.S.)

How you doin’ bud?

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Hey FRIEND! So glad to finally be done.

FRIEND (O.S.)

Oh, me too. I am so ready to be getting paid instead of paying to learn. (Laughs)

MOTHER (O.S.)

Is this the friend who helped you build your robot?

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Yup! Me and FRIEND almost had first place. It’s a shame that it had to explode when we tried using the built-in flamethrower.

FRIEND (O.S.)

(Laughs). Oh man. I don’t know what we were thinking. Probably shouldn’t have tried that one before finishing my physics 2 class.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

More like before taking a chemistry class! ( Laughs)

FRIEND (O.S.)

Ahh well. That was our sophomore summer. Good thing we’ve learned a lot since then!

MOTHER (O.S.)

It certainly is good! I remember seeing you in the pictures MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) sent home. He had to mail them because I don’t care to use Facestash.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

And why is that mom? You seem to use Bublr fine! (Laughs)

MOTHER (O.S.)

I’ve peeked at it here and there. There’s just so many things you can do with the internet these days, I don’t see how either of you young men got away long enough to study!

FRIEND (O.S.)

Sometimes, we had to use it to study. Group projects!

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Yeah, I hated those group projects.

FRIEND (O.S.)

What about ours?

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

Yours was the exception. Anytime I can build a robot made to destroy other robots, I’m down.

FATHER (O.S.)

Well you should try making a robot to mend the fences – we got a lot of that needed back home!

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

I think I would rather watch mom chop carrots than mend fences. (Laughs)

FRIEND (O.S.)

What are you all doing now? Me and my family are going to eat. Did you want to join?

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

I would love to, but I think we have a flight to catch soon.

FATHER (O.S.)

Yup! We got all your belongings shipped and we have to fly out in 3 hours. With the way airports are run these days, we’ll make it through security and have all of 5 minutes to spare.

FRIEND (O.S.)

Ain’t that the truth?

MOTHER (O.S.)

Well it was so nice to finally meet you in person FRIEND.

FRIEND (O.S.)

My pleasure. You got a great son.

MOTHER (O.S.)

Takes after his father. (Rubs MAIN CHARACTER (CAP)’s hair).

FATHER (O.S.)

Good to meet you too! Come by the ranch sometime. As a friend of MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) you’re always welcome to stay.

MOTHER (O.S.)

And have some fresh fruit and veggies too!

FRIEND (O.S.)

Thank you so much. Might have to take you up on that offer. Take care you guys. MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) – you got my number.

MAIN CHARACTER (CAP) (O.S.)

You bet. We’ll get back for a new project. This time – ROBOT WITH LASER BEAMS!

——THE FOLLOWING IS A DRAFT TEASER FROM WHAT WAS ORIGINALLY A VOLUNTARYIST FILM SCRIPT——

NEXT FEW DAY’S MONTAGE

Cap is seen helping around the farm in great spirits. Doctor is checking conditions and everything appears normal. In the background, a construction crew is fixing the burnt radio tower.

4 days later (before the lab tests come back), Cap is out in the field when a black SUV limo pulls up in front of him on the field. 4 men in black suits step out the back doors with automatic weapons. A fifth comes from the front passenger and says loudly,

MAIN AGENT

Mr. Lloyd. I’m Agent Roberts of the U.S. Department of Homefront Safety. I need to speak with you.

CAP (O.S.)

Am I being detained?

MAIN AGENT

Ha! Someone knows their rights. Yes, you are being detained, in fact, you’re coming with us.

CAP (O.S.)

On what grounds?

MAIN AGENT

I think you know. Pulls warrant from front pocket as other agents surround and cuff Cap.

CAP (O.S.)

Whoa whoa whoa! Take it easy. You need to talk to my parents.

MAIN AGENT

That won’t be necessary.

CAP (O.S.)

I want my attorney.

MAIN AGENT

That won’t be necessary either. (Agent smacks CAP across the back of the head with the butt of the gun, knocks Cap out).

SCENE: CAP is placed in the car and a bag is placed over his head. The agents drive him to a nearby post office. The post office has a secret entrance to a government interrogation room. Cap awakens as he is being taken into the building.

Cap is placed into a chair in the room. The room is set like a Doctor’s office with medical instruments. A Doctor is present with a nurse. The guards surround Cap and strap him to a chair. Cap regains full consciousness.

CAP (O.S.)

What the hell are you doing? Why am I here?

MAIN AGENT

Mr. Lloyd. It has come to our attention that you may have undergone some trauma lately?

CAP (O.S.)

I’m not speaking to you. Get me my attorney.

MAIN AGENT

Mr. Lloyd, if you haven’t gotten the clue yet, this is off the books. We’re not the local police or the FBI. We’re here to do business. You are the business.

CAP (O.S.)

You’ve already lost my interest. Let me go.

MAIN AGENT

I think we can regain it. You see, we happen to know that you may have been affected by some burns – burns caused by some radiation out of the sky.

CAP (O.S.) –(Stays silent, looks at agent).

MAIN AGENT

We think that you look awfully good for someone who just went through a fire pit. Care to explain your unscathed condition?

CAP (O.S.)

Nothing has changed. Still waiting for my attorney bud.

MAIN AGENT

That’s fine. Mr. Lloyd, I do apologize that we had to meet under these stressful circumstances. I didn’t want to have to contact you this way, but recent developments have left me with no choice.

You see, your country needs you Mr. Lloyd. I need you. You have a gift now that can be used to fight evil. You can help us take down terrorism and save your friends and family from attacks like that on 9/11. Does that interest you now Mr. Lloyd?

CAP (O.S.)

Pretty ironic considering the way you terrorized me. Could’ve just sent me a text.

MAIN AGENT

Hahah! I knew you had some humor Mr. Lloyd. Good. What we are asking is if you would, voluntarily, like to participate in our top-secret program to use your abilities in the war on terror.

CAP (O.S.)

And what if I am not interested in volunteering?

MAIN AGENT

I think we won’t have to worry about that. I think we can come to an arrangement where you and your mother and father are taken care of. You want to see your father healed and your farm kept, right?

CAP (O.S.)

Seriously? That’s creepy.

MAIN AGENT

Oh come on Mr. Lloyd. You’ve got to know by now that we, the government, know everything. And, with knowing everything, comes the ability to know that we can help you and you can help us. What do you say we work together?

CAP (O.S.)

Hmmm….As it stands, I’m gonna have to say “No!” I don’t like where this is going.

MAIN AGENT

Shucks. Well, you can’t say I didn’t try, right guys? (Turns to other guards). Doctor, would you please load the serum?

CAP (O.S.)

That does not sound like a good time. How about you let me go and we can follow up later over coffee.

MAIN AGENT

Sorry Mr. Lloyd. It was a 1-time offer. Thanks for playing.

DOCTOR draws serum to sedate Cap. Doctor approaches Cap with needle in hand. Cap looks anxiously, his heart races and blood pumps. Suddenly, as the needle draws near, Cap feels a sudden rush of power throughout his body. He gets the instinct to try to pull out of the chair. At that moment, the lights in the room flicker. Suddenly…

RIP- CRASH! Cap breaks out of the chair as if he was breaking out of a cardboard box.

MAIN AGENT

Stop him!

Guards turn to grab him, but Cap runs straight for the double-doors and runs straight through them, bending the metal and blowing them open. The guards halt out of the display of force and power.

MAIN AGENT

HOLD ON! (Thinks to himself, “well that was unexpected”). “Let me call in the satellite.”

Pulls out mini-phone device.

On Phone Hello! This is Agent Roberts, get me the x-54 satellite field for post sector 32b. What? It’s currently on another site? DAMN IT!

(Turns to guards). Well, go get him! We’ll have to get the satellite feed when we can.

SCENE: Guards give chase but it is no use. Cap’s speed was like a cheetah and he is far away on foot. The guards run to the truck to try to chase him. By the time they are driving up, Cap is a mile away.

Cap runs down a side road into town. He briskly passes some people walking by. Suddenly, a new Camaro screeches out in front of him and he stops. The door opens and a man shouts,

MACK

“Cap! Get in! I can save you!”

CAP

Who are you and why should I trust you?

MACK

I don’t have time for detail. Your life depends on it – it’s up to you, but you need to get in NOW if you want to live.

CAP

Eff my life right now.

Cap jumps into the other side of the car. Mack drives off with great speed out of town and toward the countryside.

MACK

Listen carefully. Right now, government agents are trying to use you as I am sure you saw. They will stop at nothing to exploit you, well, at least your body. I was working to save your ass but I ran a little late due to some unforeseen circumstances. Right now we have temporary cover from satellites thanks to my scrambler. We are going to a safe location.

CAP

I just blew through solid metal. If you are lying to me, I will do to you what I just did back there.

MACK

Fair enough. We don’t have much time – I need you to put on an eyepiece under your seat.

(Cap finds puts on glasses. Glasses are actually a special type of infrared).

CAP

So what are these for?

MACK

To help you confirm our hideout location. I would be wearing them, but right now I need to focus on whether we are being tracked. What is it telling you?

CAP

It’s pointing to a micro-map. Says we are 10 miles from the drop point and the arrow is facing Southwest.

MACK

Good. Just confirm with me when it gives you the turn signal.

CAP

What’s that look like?

MACK

It will be a signal that says, “Turn.” Easy enough?

CAP

Got it.

(Signal goes off.)

Ok! TURN!

Car comes to a screeching stop an d turns to a narrow dirt path not readily visible from the forested main road. Car barrels down the path.

Drives car another mile underground in what looks like an old mine shaft. Eventually car comes to landing pad in room with computers and weapons. A stream runs across the side of what appears to be an underground bunker.

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